The recent launch of the Orion Jade on July 28, 2026, represents a historic turning point for the Philippine maritime industry, signaling the official revival of large-scale commercial shipbuilding in Subic Bay . Built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines (HHIP) at the Agila Subic Shipyard, this milestone proves that the country is successfully converting foreign direct investment commitments into operational industrial triumphs.
A Historic Vessel Launch
The Orion Jade is a massive crude oil and product tanker engineered for international energy routes . It is the first of a four-vessel order placed by an Asia-based shipping company in December 2024 . The vessel measures 250 meters long, 42.4 meters wide, and 21.5 meters deep, with a total capacity of 115,000 deadweight tons (DWT) . Construction began with a steel-cutting ceremony in September 2025, attended by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and was completed in approximately 10 months . The launch took place at the shipyard's 550-meter dry dock, the largest in the Philippines, with HHIP aiming to increase production to at least 10 vessels annually by next year.
Economic Impact: Jobs, Training, and Industry Revival
The project breathes new life into a facility that sat idle following the 2019 bankruptcy of Hanjin Heavy Industries . The revival delivers major employment and educational gains to local communities. The program has already generated approximately 4,000 operational roles, with employment expected to double to 7,000 workers as production accelerates . HHIP is working directly with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to develop vocational programs tailored to modern shipbuilding operations, building a larger pool of welders, fabricators, and other skilled workers . Employee perks include free accommodation and comprehensive HMO benefits . HHIP has made a total investment of USD 130 million and projects USD 230 million by 2030.
Regulatory Drivers: The CREATE MORE Law
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority officials directly attribute this massive industrial investment to the passage of Republic Act No. 12066, widely known as the CREATE MORE Law . Key provisions include a reduced corporate income tax rate of 20 percent for registered business enterprises, simplified local business tax collections, and enhanced VAT and tax refund compliance . SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño stated that "the inauguration of the Orion Jade reflects the success of the administration's investment initiatives and reinforces investor confidence in Subic Bay Freeport" . Finance Secretary Frederick Go said the project demonstrates the Marcos administration's efforts to attract strategic investments that create quality jobs and strengthen the country's industrial capabilities .
